Other announcements

This month is Black History month and let us all recognize that education on black history should be year round. The events and peoples activism that shaped the present did not just happen in this month but throughout the years, months and days. One month is not enough time to learn about our history but it is a time to observe and be aware of what all took place and the people who made that difference, what we have been through up until this point in time and also to recognize that history is still being made.

On January 20th the 44th president of our United States was inaugurated into office. The man who took his place as the leader of America is an African American man. In my lifetime I am fortunate enough to witness this event, if even from a seat in a local bar/restaurant. I sat there at Nectars with my supervisor Kinda, us being the only two black people from what I could see, and the sense of unity and acceptance filled my heart. The place was full not with a lot of people of color but with white people who were there to celebrate this event. Everyone in attendance was happy and proud to be there. This made me feel good and proud of my country and my neighbors. By the end I shed tears of joy for the progress we have made, the struggles we have overcome and are overcoming still.

I thought about what all I’ve learned growing up and in school about what our past (and present) black leaders and fighters of justice have worked hard for. Our ancestors have worked and cried, fought and died for a day like this. To wonder what Martin Luther King would be thinking if he had survived the fight to be here, What Malcom X, Angela Davis or Rosa Parks, would say about this day or even to see the reaction on the faces of every slave and every oppressed black person who had to live through segregation and the injustices, inequalities and brutalities for years up to and even past the Civil Rights Movement. It’s unimaginable to me. I can imagine that it would seem impossible to many of them, but incredibly proud and life changing for every single one of them. Here is proof that America has come so far in treatment of black people and can see us as great leaders worthy of running this country. We went from being considered only 3 quarters human to now being able to sit the highest positions of elected power.

This event however is not just a victory for Black Americans; it is a triumph for all of America and the world. I was here and I got the see it in my lifetime. But the most important thing about this day to me was the fact that our young children growing up in this generation are able to have this as a model and motivator and as proof that they are just as equal as anyone else to be anything they what to be at any level of power and importance. Race and the color of their skin does NOT have to be a negative factor in their lives. My son can believe in himself, his country and his people. All people. I am proud to be a Black American woman.

Food Stamp Rules Have Changed
Save for Retirement - Save for Your Child’s Education - And Still Get Food Stamps!
In the past many people could not get food stamps because they had too much savings. Now you can have retirement and education savings accounts and still get the help you need, even if you have been denied before.
The Food Stamp Program is an important federal nutrition program that helps make sure people have enough food to be active and healthy. Households that participate can also receive other benefits like free school meals for your children and phone bill assistance!
For a food stamp application, call 1-800-287-0589 or visit www.vermontfoodhelp.com. For help with your application, dial 2-1-1, free from anywhere in Vermont, and ask to be connected to your nearest Community Action Agency.
If you are a senior, call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.

SISTA Project
Starting in February 2009 new SISTA sessions will begin. Be a part of our Valentine’s/Condom Day kick party February 14 2009. Play games, win prizes, decorate adult cupcakes, and talk about special exciting ways of enjoying safe sex. Everyone takes home a gift. Please be a part. Come and have fun and gain information and share information while having a good time in the SISTA Project. Brought to you by SISTA United Alliance. For time and location information call Kinda Sharp-Garrett at 660-4875.

To anyone who can provide childcare, we at SISTA are always in need of a provider. Contact Kinda Sharp-Garrett at our new number 660-4875.

Be a SISTA volunteer! It is a great experience and a chance to meet new people and do a great service to the community.
Here is your chance! If you haven’t yet been a part of our SISTA sessions, BE A PART OF SISTA! It is a growing program and we need more participants. This is a program for women of color that discusses relationships, dating and safe sex. Sisters connect with sisters on building self-esteem skills, developing life experiences with coping skills and developing safer sex methods. We provide good food, exciting games/activities, door prizes and valuable information plus child care and transportation if needed. Call Kinda Sharp-Garrett at 660-4875 or email sistaunited@yahoo.com to set up an interview. Call soon and become a SISTA!

You can add to the SISTA experience. If you have either African art or art made by Black women, such as yourself, that you may want to donate to SISTA let us know. We could always use more supplies and volunteers to join us.

If you have any news or information on events contact us to let us know. We can all do our part to inform each other.
If you have family photos or any poems that you want to share, email them to us and we will include them in an issue of SISTA UNITED VOICES.

Feedback: Write us at sistaunited@yahoo.com with your feedback and let us know what you think. We will include your comments in our next issue.

Remember:

SISTA LOVE IS STRONG! SISTA LOVE IS SAFE! SISTA LOVE IS SURVIVING!